Press Releases

NLIRH: White House Immigration Proposal is Racist and Xenophobic

Elianne Ramos

Press Release

Washington

elianne@latinainstitute.org

White House Immigration Proposal is Racist and Xenophobic

Washington, D.C. — The White House today released a framework that outlines Trump and Stephen Miller’s proposals on immigration reform and border security. The legislative proposal lists an extreme increase in border enforcement, funding for the wall, ending the diversity visa program, ending 5 to 7 family reunification categories, among other major changes to parts of the U.S. immigration system, in exchange for a path to U.S. citizenship for Dreamers. Ann Marie Benitez, senior director of government relations for the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH), issued the following statement:

“We need to name this immigration proposal for what it is: an emboldening of a racist, nationalist, and xenophobic agenda. Trump and Stephen Miller’s list would give some Dreamers a path to citizenship at a grave cost to their families and other undocumented immigrants. Increasing border security and ICE surveillance would further terrorize mixed status families and tear them apart at a time when our communities are already hyper-surveilled. Removing the diversity visa program and eliminating family reunification programs will disproportionately impact women’s ability to reunite with their families, thus making it harder for them to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and their futures.

Dreamers are not bargaining chips. They deserve more than a White House that continues holding their health and safety hostage in an attempt to advance its white supremacist agenda. We urge Congress to prioritize passing a clean Dream Act without compromising the future or safety of our communities.”

For more information on NLIRH’s fight for health, dignity and justice, visit us at latinainstitute.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @NLIRH.

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The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national reproductive justice organization dedicated to building Latina power to advance health, dignity, and justice for 28 million Latinas, their families, and communities in the United States through leadership development, community mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic communications.